RAM is one of the most misunderstood PC components — which makes it the easiest place to waste money.
Key takeaway
For gaming, 16GB dual-channel is the safest default. Upgrade only if your workload truly demands it.
Short answer
16GB of RAM is enough for gaming for the vast majority of people.
What buyers get wrong about RAM
- They buy more RAM instead of a better GPU
- They chase max MHz without stable platform
- They use unstable configurations (too many sticks)
16GB vs 32GB (what should you do?)
Choose 16GB if:
- gaming is primary goal
- you don’t multitask heavily while gaming
- you want maximum value
Choose 32GB if:
- you do heavy work: editing, dev workloads, VMs
- you keep many apps open (Chrome + Discord + games + streams)
- you want extra headroom for 3–5 years
Stability rule: keep RAM configuration simple
- 2 sticks is more stable than 4 sticks
- compatibility matters more than speed marketing
RAM depends on the build tier
If you're building a mid-range PC around RTX 5060, the best pairing strategy stays stable: RTX 5060 decision guide.
And the correct “overall build” plan is here: Best gaming PC build under ₹1,00,000.
Final verdict: Start with stable 16GB dual-channel. Upgrade later only if real usage requires it — not because marketing says so.